Bansko. Ski resorts Bansko Ski resort in Bulgaria Bansko

Bansko, Bulgaria in 2019 is a winter resort that attracts European youth and lovers of inexpensive holiday destinations. If you are going to Bansko, below are several points in brief form to help tourists, novice snowboarders and skiers.

Slopes in Bansko (Bulgaria) for beginners and trails for experienced ones

1. In total, there are three ski areas in Bansko in Bulgaria. This Chalin-Valog (1467 m) , Shiligarnika (1725 m) And Banderishka Polyana (1635 m) . I recommend starting from Banderishka Polyana, then try my favorite Shiligarnika (chair lift to the left of the gondola exit). For beginners, routes 1 (Banderishka Polyana) and 10 (Shiligarnika) are suitable. The separation of routes is conditional. And not every blue or red one is like that. Big differences are found everywhere. If you get off at the first gondola station (Chalin-Valog), there are only red and black tracks to Bansko. It's a big mistake for beginners to get off there. If you’re not good at skiing on Chalin-Valog, it’s better not to try it at all.

2. The biggest bummer for beginners is that there are no green slopes in Bansko in Bulgaria. There are blue, red and black. Blue is the average level of preparedness. For green slopes, you need to go to another resort in Bulgaria - Borovets. You can also go to Pamporovo, but the resort is very old.

3. The easiest slope in Bansko (Bulgaria) is number one. It is also called the “walking route”. The smallest differences are in its lower part. People even walk there, walking from the bottom gondola station. The slope is located on the right as you exit the gondola arrival point at Banderishka Polyana.

4. The tracks in Bansko in Bulgaria are divided by color, frankly speaking, very arbitrarily. For example, the 5 blue route is more like the red one. And in some moments it was possible to designate parts of it as black. In this case, 1 blue, indicated on many maps, can be called green. At the highest point of Plateau 11, the route is also marked blue, although its slope for the first 300 meters can be considered red.

5. If you are only interested in 1 route (it is also called a walking route), then there is no point in buying a ski pass. A taxi from the bottom gondola station costs 50 levs for 4 people. From one person it turns out to be 12.5 levs. Sometimes they offer it for 10 levs. At the same time, you are brought directly to Banderishka Polyana, but you can ask and for the same money they will take you to Shiligarnik. You can go up 2 or 3 times by taxi, it will cost 25 or 37.5 levs. Still less than a ski pass (58 levs for the whole day or 48 levs for half a day). Plus there are no queues for taxis. So the benefit is obvious.

6. The number of trails in Bansko (Bulgaria) is large, but some always do not work, this is a minus. All trails can be covered in two days.

7. If one of the upper lifts and slopes does not work, you need to find out in advance which slope it will take you to. Otherwise, you can end up on a black road, with no options.

8. There is always strong wind on the upper slopes in Bansko in Bulgaria. Sometimes, when wind gusts exceed 7 m/s, they are closed altogether. Especially the right lift, which goes along the cliff. Sometimes unpleasant situations happen there with crazy extreme people who love to tempt fate.

9. Riding the blue slides, especially the one that leads to the exit of the complex, is more dangerous in the evening. Crazy high-speed skiers are heading out from there. Start moving by looking back. Here are the most students and, oddly enough, the most injuries. The track is so flat at the bottom that you need to accelerate well higher. Otherwise you will have to walk (snowboarders).

10. There are a lot of children and dummies on the slopes in Bansko in Bulgaria. The most unpleasant of them are those who cross the slope in single file across a company of one adult and a bunch of children. It can be very difficult to get around such individuals who, with their company, completely block the entire slope in Bansko. This is the example that brainless parents set for their children.

11. No snow groomers were seen at the ski resort, so the quality of the surface is not very good.

12. You can “live” on a mountain in Bansko in Bulgaria. There is everything for your holiday. In addition to lifts and slopes in Bansko, there are various cafes with food and drinks (street and indoor), exchange points, rentals, training, a snowboarding school, a kindergarten, and what not. In this regard, Bansko rightfully bears the name of the best ski resort in Bulgaria.

13. The lowest prices for food on the slopes in Bansko (Bulgaria) are in self-service cafes. Most of the skiers dine there.

14. I read it on several well-known sites. I laughed for a very long time. Then she cried. After all, it’s actually not funny when one fool wrote it and 20 others copied it. Below is an example of nonsense.

“11 trails have an average degree of difficulty (red and blue), and 4 “green” trails are intended for beginners (Todorka, Stara Pista, Shiligarnik and Plateau). The longest route Bansko - Todorka is about 2.7 kilometers long. It is most suitable for those who are just beginning to master the wisdom of skating.” “The ski resort, depending on the level of skiers, is divided into the following ski areas: Chalin Valog (1500 m) - the lowest, equipped for beginners.” “Those who are just learning to ski should choose Chalin-Valog.”

Everything, everything here is wrong! There is not a single green track in Bansko in Bulgaria! Having read such garbage and such nonsense of people who have never been on the elephants of Bansko, you can really make a mistake and get off at the Chalin-Valog gondola station. It seems to be the lowest point, so they came up with something for beginners? On Chalin-Valog there are only red and black tracks in Bansko. Beginners, you have nothing to do there, and it’s dangerous. Come to Banderishka Polyana, and from there, depending on your skiing level, either go up to the blue ones or down to the first walking trail.

1. Now we have reached the biggest disadvantage of this resort. The gondola lift in Bansko in Bulgaria is categorically unable to cope with the flow of skiers and snowboarders. The city even blocked the road with demands to build another ski lift. But in fact, there is only one lift and it is prohibited to build a second one for some environmental reasons. It is prohibited to cut down forest in this place. By the way, some tour operators refused to work with Bansko due to huge queues for the lift. This is not a joke, this is real toughness! There are queues for 2-3 hours.

2. There are fewer people on the slopes in the morning than in the evening. The quality of the slopes is better, more compacted.

3. The best time to arrive at the ski resort in Bansko (Bulgaria) is before 8.30 am. In this situation, you will stand in line for 15 minutes.

4. If there are two or more of you, queue for the ski passes and for the gondola at the same time.

5. The queues are greatly slowed down thanks to arrogant people who simply jump in line. And when buying a ski pass, they buy it for all their friends and for those who else ask in line. So, one couple sat right in front of me, I politely showed them to the end of the line, but they didn’t leave. In the end, I didn’t miss them, and neither did the people after me. Because while standing in line, we all became acquainted and already knew each other.

6. The queue for the gondola on the left, from the side of the slope, is shorter than the queue from the entrance.

7. With a ski pass, you can climb the slope in Bansko in Bulgaria on the bus , aka shuttle , aka free bass . The queue in this case will be even shorter. It’s just that not all dummies know about this bus.

8. There are only 6 shuttles in Bansko (Bulgaria). They go back and forth, but due to traffic jams the journey takes 20 minutes there and 20 minutes back.

9. You can take a car to get to Banderishka Polyana and buy a ski pass there without queuing. They DO NOT sell ski passes at the top, which are only valid for the lifts at the top. There are no privileges for those who come by car, except that you don’t have to stand in line.

10. The queues are the longest on weekends. In addition to the huge flow of tourists, the whole of Bulgaria and part of neighboring Greece come to the ski resort.

11. On New Year's holidays, the queue for the gondola in Bansko in Bulgaria takes 2-3 hours.

12. VIP entrance to the gondola (VIP ski pass) is available to hotel guests (for a fee), as well as to two hotels at the top of the mountain. By the way, they sometimes sell these passes to tourists. They themselves come up to the queues and offer. With an instructor, there is also skip-the-line entry. Or season ticket holders. You can also leave your equipment in the lockers in the building itself, from where you board the cabins, and enter from there without queuing for the gondola. But this is somehow dishonest, in my opinion.

Ski passes in Bansko in Bulgaria: how and where to buy, prices 2019

1. A one-day ski pass in Bansko in 2019 for an adult costs 58 levs. The cost has not changed since the 2016-2017 season.

2. Ski passes for several days are sold only for consecutive days. You cannot buy a ski pass in Bansko (Bulgaria) for 6 days and ski for 7 days, skipping 1 day.

3. Prices for ski passes in Bansko in Bulgaria in 2019 for half a day (from 12.30) are 10 levs cheaper (price 48 levs + 5 levs deposit), but they are sold only after 12.30. That is, having bought them, you will stand in line for at least 1 hour (this is if on weekends and competition days) and will ride a maximum from 13.30 to 17.00. In fact, the queue may be longer.

4. Unlike Russia, in Bansko in Bulgaria there are no ski passes for the number of lifts. There is no separation of ski pass prices on weekends, holidays and weekdays.

5. When paying for a ski pass in Bansko with a card, the process is greatly slowed down, because The terminal at the cash registers thinks very slowly.

6. There is no point in buying a ski pass on the first day for all days of skiing. The price difference is not significant. But whether you are ready to ride every day, standing in unbearable queues, is a big question. But the thrill of skating smooths out these moments. If you are 100% sure that you will ride, then buy for a few days. Plus, you won’t have to stand in line every day for a ski pass.

7. They say that on the website banskoskipass.ru you can buy a ski pass in Bansko (Bulgaria) in 2019 in advance and at a cheaper price. But I didn’t buy it, because... I could never predict in advance whether I would go skiing the next day or not. In general, the benefit from purchasing a ski pass for several days is not big, 1-2-3-5 levs. And if you miss a day, the difference will be noticeable (immediately minus 50-58 levs).

8. The cost of ski passes in Bansko in Bulgaria is not refundable under any circumstances. Even if the weather is not good for skiing. Moreover, if you cannot ride for some reason, not a single leva will be returned to you. Well, just for the card itself a deposit of 5 levs will be given.

9. Prices for ski passes in Bansko for the season are posted on the official website of the ski resort around December 15.

10. Ski passes are sold until 17.30. At exactly 17.30 the box office closes, and the crowd is left with nothing.

11. When purchasing a ski pass in Bansko 2019, the price includes medical insurance in case of injury at the ski resort. At a minimum, transportation to a medical facility and first aid. In fact, I myself saw how they simply wrap a piece of cardboard around injured arms and legs and take them to the first aid station in Banderishka Polyana. If you go to Bansko, it is better to take care of with the option “ski” or “active holiday”.

12. When you buy a ski pass in Bansko (Bulgaria) for several days, you are photographed. So the ski pass is kind of personalized. Persons are checked. Although, there is a great opportunity to slip through. There are cameras at the bottom station of the gondola. There are also cameras on the ski lifts from Banderishka Polyana.

13. The cameras on the turnstiles actually work. They can pull a person out of the crowd and take away their ski pass if their face doesn’t look the same. How faces are recorded: when purchasing for 6 days or more, you will be photographed at the cash register. With one-day ski passes, a camera captures your face the first time you pass through the turnstile. The same problems can arise when buying a ski pass in person, when people sell day ski passes after lunch.

14. Despite all the warnings, some still sell a one-day ski pass to Bansko (Bulgaria) at the exit from the resort if they are going home at 14-15 hours. After 16:00 it is no longer possible to sell. However, this is at your own risk if you want to save money. But keep in mind that the administration is struggling with hand sales, and as already mentioned, the face is photographed the first time you pass through the turnstile.

15. When passing through the turnstiles, you do not need to take the ski pass out of your pocket or sleeve. The turnstiles are contactless, operate automatically and quite quickly.

16. When paying for an instructor and renting equipment, there is a discount on the purchase of ski passes in Bansko in Bulgaria. But seeing this snowboarding school and ski school makes you wonder if you need it. 20 people stand in a row and do something... Unless you see skis or a snowboard for the first time. But then you are unlikely to go to Bansko. It’s better to overpay and take an individual instructor.

17. The deposit for the ski pass in Bansko in 2019 is not given at the ticket office. There are machines for this inside the Ski Center building. The ski pass can only be returned to the ticket office if you immediately buy a new ski pass. Otherwise, they will be sent to the machine. So don’t waste your time queuing at the ticket office just to give your ski pass to Bansko.

1. Transfer from Sofia to Bansko (Bulgaria) takes 3 hours, distance 160 km. The road quality is good, but traffic jams are possible on weekends. The transfer from the tour operator Bon Tour (the receiving party, the sending party is Biblio Globus) took almost 6 hours. Stops for half an hour at a cafe, then transfer of some tourists to hotels. When everyone has been transported, only then will you be dropped off and transferred to a minibus, which you still have to wait for. Then the minibus driver will study which hotels to take you to, and only then will you get to the hotel. In 6 hours.

You can order a transfer online so that it is waiting for you at the airport at the specified time.

2. Snow cannons at the Bansko ski resort turn on automatically at sub-zero temperatures (-3 -5 degrees). At above-zero temperatures, guns do not work.

3. The Bansko Ski Center in Bulgaria has luggage storage facilities. You can leave the equipment until the next day. But the prices are, of course, too high. However, as mentioned above, from the storage rooms people adapt and go to the gondola without a queue (at the beginning of the stairs). When renting ski equipment at the Ski Center, storage is free.

4. If you are riding, wear a helmet . You never know, extra protection never hurts. I saw many situations on the highways. You must have your own helmet. There are no helmets available for rental in the complex. In a collision, skiers fly three meters apart. So imagine what would happen if you landed on your head.

5. Rental in the city of Bansko in Bulgaria - everywhere, even in hotels. Renting in the city is cheaper than in the complex itself. If they tell you that they have the newest equipment, you can just smile. I saw this equipment. And the newest, latest season can only be found in VIP rental. But the prices there are huge.

6. Bottom gondola station in Bansko - overpriced kingdom . Everything, absolutely everything there will be more expensive. As expected.

7. All instructors from the Yulen ski resort are Bulgarians. But they speak all languages, including Russian and English. When you pay, you will be matched with an instructor who knows your language. But the qualifications of the Yulen instructors are average. That is, only for beginners.

8. For children there is a kindergarten in the Bansko ski resort. They teach skating to children from 4 years old. The price includes lunch.

9. In general, there are several training schools in Bansko in Bulgaria. There are both for kids and adults. But the slides are very small, how to learn there is a big question.

10. A great idea for riding is a walkie-talkie. I saw several families with walkie-talkies, it’s very convenient!

11. If you are traveling to Bansko (Bulgaria) together with a more experienced comrade, friend or spouse, then it is better to take an instructor so as not to spoil the relationship and not be a burden. Keep in mind that Yulen instructors are only for those learning to ride. If you want to hone your skills at a high level of skating, you need to hire a professional instructor in the city.

12. Don’t forget about safety precautions, teach your children the rules of behavior on the slopes. First of all, learn how to fall correctly. Sit only at the edge of the slope, and not in the middle. Don't stop in so-called blind spots. If you fall there, quickly drive to a safe place, remembering to look behind you. Drive downhill with a predictable trajectory. It's like when driving a car, the people behind you need to understand that you won't cut them off in 1 second.

13. Don’t forget that you are going to the mountains, and this is a test for the body. Before traveling to Bansko (Bulgaria), it is recommended to go to the gym for at least several months. On the first day, it is better not to climb the highest routes. Altitude sickness can begin in some people already at the height of the slopes. The body may not be able to withstand high altitudes. Some people have to leave Bansko for this reason. Take a skier's first aid kit with you on vacation.

14. When purchasing insurance or arranging it from a tour operator, be sure to check that it is ski insurance (called “ski”, “sport”, etc.). Regular insurance does not cover ski injuries.

15. Things can be put into ski lockers not in the ski center itself, but in neighboring buildings. Prices are a little lower there. But there will no longer be access to the gondola without a queue.

16. Renting equipment at the Bansko ski resort in 2019 will also be useful for those who feel sorry for spoiling their equipment due to poor quality surfaces.

17. Don't buy white ski suits , or at least don't ride in them in Bansko in Bulgaria. You may think white is trendy, but your safety should come first. People in white suits, you are simply not visible, especially during fog. A bright suit is another plus for your safety.

These were my tips about Bansko in Bulgaria for beginners and more. If you have been to Bansko, write comments and subscribe to updates. ???

Bansko from A to Z: map of hotels and ski areas, slopes and pistes, lifts and ski passes. Vivid photos and videos. Reviews of ski tourists about Bansko.

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Bulgaria is not only a familiar seaside resort full of sun and warmth, but also a network of unique ski regions. Bansko is one of the most popular places among climbers and ski lovers. There is no less sun there than by the sea! The town is also distinguished by its unique regional cuisine, unlike other Bulgarian gastronomic delights.

Bansko is a fairly young ski resort with good infrastructure and high-quality slopes. Solid snow cover of up to 2 m lasts from November until the end of May. Even those who are far from skiing and active recreation will not be bored here. The small ancient town has opportunities for excursion tourism, and thanks to the surrounding thermal springs and healing mountain air, Bansko has gained fame as a balneological and climatic resort.

Flights to Bansko depart from the Central Railway and Bus Station, where international ground transport arrives. From Sofia airport you will have to get there through the entire city with transfers. By bus you need to go first on route 84 to the “Hotel Pliska” stop, then on route 305 or 213 to “Tsentralna Gara”. To get there by metro, you need to go to the Sredika station to another line. The cost of one trip is 1.60 BGN, the journey will take 40-60 minutes. By taxi you can get there in half an hour and 20-30 BGN. Then we set a course for Bansko - by land or railway. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

Many tourists prefer not to deal with public transport and use the services of a taxi or group transfer - up to 390 BGN (3-8 people).

From the Central Bus Station of Sofia, buses depart 3-6 times a day, the fare is 9-16 BGN. You will have to spend 3-3.5 hours on the road. Getting there by train is a little cheaper, but longer and more difficult; there is no direct route. First you need to get to the small town of Septemvri, where the narrow-gauge railway to Dobrinishte, passing through Bansko, starts. Electric trains from the capital's station depart from 6:30 to 22:40 every 1-2 hours, travel time is about 1.5 hours, a ticket will cost 6-9 BGN. In Septemvri, you will most likely have to wait for a train - only 3 trains a day run on the narrow-gauge railway, the last one at about 17:00. A trip through the picturesque south of Bulgaria will cost another 4-6 BGN and take 4.5 hours. You can check the schedule and purchase tickets online on the official website (in English) of the Bulgarian Railways.

Video test for knowledge of Bulgaria | 10 tricky questions for tourists:

Some people prefer to get to Bansko via Plovdiv, where there is another airport. From there there is a similar railway route with a transfer to Septemvri. The whole journey takes about 6-7 hours, the price is 8-12 BGN. Buses depart 3 times a day from three different stations. Travel time is 2.5-3 hours, travel costs 10-18 BGN.

Search for air tickets to Sofia (closest airport to Bansko)

Transport

Bansko is a very small town, and there is no public transport in the usual sense. From the local bus station, in addition to distant large cities like Sofia and Plovdiv, you can go to neighboring ski and spa resorts - Dobrinishte, Razlog, Banya, etc. The distance is about 6 km, the road takes 10 minutes, the fare costs 1.96- 5 BGN.

Free skibuses deliver tourists from some hotels to the Kabinkov Elevator.

It is convenient to get around the city by taxi. You can rent a car in the parking lot or order it by phone (numbers are available at hotel receptions). All cars are equipped with meters, but it is better to check the cost in advance - most likely the driver will tell you the exact price. A trip around the city will cost 10-14 BGN, at night almost 2 times more expensive.

It is interesting to ride a bicycle through the streets and surrounding areas of the resort. There are many routes in the mountains for those who are not looking for easy paths. There are rental points in many hotels and on the streets of the city. Rental cost is from 18 BGN per knock. Some companies organize excursion cycling routes of varying complexity, the price is 40-60 BGN per person.

Maps of Bansko

Rent a Car

It is quite advisable to rent a car in Bansko. A rented car will help you save money, especially if you are planning excursions to neighboring cities or mineral springs. In addition, on holidays there is a long line at the gondola lift that takes athletes to their chairs. You can go around it by car.

Traffic in Bansko is calm, there are few cars. During high season, the main street becomes pedestrian. Parking is paid almost everywhere, even at hotels - from 2-4 BGN per hour to 12 BGN per day.

There are high fines for violating traffic rules: for driving while intoxicated - from 500 BGN.

The resort operates mainly from local rental companies - Top Rent A Car, Bulgaria Rantal Car and several very small ones. All information can be found at the hotel reception, you can make an order there and receive a car in half an hour. Prices for economy class cars start from 20-35 BGN per day.

Communications and Wi-Fi

To stay in touch with home in Bansko, it is better to get a SIM card from a Bulgarian operator. There are 3 main companies in the country - Telenor, VivaCom and M-Tel. The quality of communication is approximately the same - in the city itself the phone reception is good, but there are interruptions high in the mountains. Prices are also not particularly different, it is a little cheaper to call Russia with Telenor Tourist - approximately 1.37 BGN per minute, message - 0.29 BGN. Tariff plans are sold in many stores (from 6 BGN), you will need a passport to register. The package includes 30 minutes for calls within Bulgaria and abroad and 1000 MB.

Many resort hotels provide free Wi-Fi to their guests. You can also access the Internet from most cafes and restaurants - in some the network is open, in others the password is given only to visitors. In addition, the access point is installed at the bottom station of the Kabinkov Elevator gondola lift. The cost of tourist SIM cards also includes a certain amount of traffic; if it is not enough, you can connect an additional package - 10 BGN for 2000 MB.

Treatment in Bansko

Active holidays in Bansko can be combined with health spa treatments. In the vicinity of the ski resort there are many hot deposits of low-mineralized hydrocarbonate water containing lithium, radon, iron and other substances. 6-15 km from Bansko there are balneological resorts - Banya, Ognyanovo, Dobrinishte and others. Thermal spa complexes with mineral pools have been built on their territory; medical procedures include baths, massages, exercise therapy, baths and much more. To use the services, you do not have to rent a room at a spa hotel. A day of treatments for guests costs about 30-40 BGN (from 10:00 to 19:00). Mineral waters from local sources and imported medicinal mud are used to treat metabolic disorders, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases.

Thanks to the vegetation covering the mountain slopes, the healing air of Bansko has a general strengthening and healing effect on the body.

If full treatment is not required, and you just want to soak in mineral water after a whole day on the slopes, you don’t have to go anywhere. Mineral water is brought to Bansko hotels in tanks, and many hotels have thermal pools.

Trails in Bansko

The ski slopes of Bansko are well equipped, safe and meet all requirements. Their length is approximately 70 km. The resort itself is divided into three skiing areas: Chalin-Valog, Shiligarnika and Banderishka Polyana.

Chalin-Valog (1467 m), the smallest and lowest ski area, is suitable mainly for beginner skiers and training. Shiligarnika (1725 m) offers longer and more varied runs for intermediate skiers. There is also one of the best trails in Bulgaria, about 3 km long. The Banderishka Polyana ski area (1635 m) with a spacious slope is suitable for intermediate skiers and cross-country skiers.

The authorities and the city administration have not forgotten about snowboarders, for whom there is a specially equipped funpark and a halfpipe equipped with the latest sports technology.

During the New Year and Christmas holidays, considerable queues form at the main lift station: the waiting time can reach 2-2.5 hours. The peak of crowding occurs at 8:00-9:00.

Ski pass

A two-meter layer of snow allows both beginners and master skiers to ski safely throughout the season. The ski pass includes any number of ascents on all rope tows and chairlifts throughout the ski area, as well as ascent and descent on the funicular. In addition to the general ski pass (for any lifts and gondola), you can purchase a separate ticket only for the cable car - one ascent, one descent - or a separate ski pass for the upper lifts. This ski pass is sold at the ticket office at the top station of the funicular - Benderishkina Polyana - and is suitable for those who reach the slope by car.

A ski pass usually needs to be purchased once for the entire skiing period - this is much cheaper than buying a lift ticket every day.

Ski passes (cost for adults): 1 day - 58 BGN, 2 days - 112 BGN, 3 days - 170 BGN, 4 days - 224 BGN, 5 days - 280 BGN, 6 days - 340 BGN, 9 days - 500 BGN , 13 days - 700 BGN. Gondola (2 round trips) - 28 BGN. Discounts are available for students, students and children (students and students must provide a student ID or a certificate from the school).

Bansko Hotels

The hotel map of Bansko is represented by hotels, guesthouses and apartments. There are more of the latter in the city; many tourists prefer rooms with their own kitchen. For those who do not want to spend time cooking, many hotels include breakfast in the price of their stay, some include lunch and dinner, and there are a couple of all-inclusive offers. Another category is spa hotels, where you can combine active recreation with wellness treatments.

In general, the level of housing prices is low. Those who want to save money and do not plan to ski every day should look for options in the Old Town - prices there are lower, in the high season - 2-3 times. One night in a double room costs from 28 to 50 BGN. In the new part of Bansko, prices range from 60-200 BGN depending on the location, additional options and star rating.

What to bring

For those who want to take home something reminiscent of a small town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, the Bansko souvenir shops have a lot of trinkets with the symbols of the resort - mugs, magnets, key chains, bells and much more. However, you can also find more practical traditional Bulgarian souvenirs in local shops. Kitchen utensils are in demand - ceramic dishes painted with national patterns, as well as tablecloths and napkins embroidered with a cross.

Representatives of the fair sex usually take away from Bansko cosmetics based on rose oil and medicinal herbs, and the oil itself in tiny wooden bottles. The shopping center sells high-quality and inexpensive leather goods made in Bulgaria - bags, belts and wallets.

It is customary to bring homemade cheese, jam from rose petals, Kashkaval cheese and spice mixtures, which include aromatic mountain herbs, as gifts. Don't forget about rakia - the national alcoholic drink. It can be found in any grocery store.

Cuisine and restaurants in Bansko

The region is characterized by stewed and steamed meats, as well as homemade sausages. To taste real Bulgarian cuisine, it is best to go to “mekhana” - a local tavern with a cozy homely atmosphere and the same menu. There are many similar establishments in Bansko - some are more like self-service cafes, but they are very cheap - up to 15 BGN per lunch per person. In others, for a full dinner you will have to pay from 25-35 to 50-60 BGN, depending on the dishes ordered and location.

The resort has street fast food where you can have a sandwich or pizza right on the street for 10 BGN.

Other popular establishments in Bansko are pubs and nightclubs. You won’t be able to have a full meal there, but it’s easy to while away the evening with a glass or two of delicious beer, listen to live music and make new acquaintances. The resort has a vibrant nightlife, with some bars continuing into the early hours.

In addition to traditional “mechanas”, in the city you can find European cuisine establishments, steak houses, grill bars and other eateries. Lunch without drinks in an inexpensive catering costs 10-15 BGN, dinner for two in a middle-class cafe - 30-40 BGN. In luxury restaurants with haute cuisine, the average check for two persons with drinks reaches 100 BGN.

The best photos of Bansko

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Entertainment and attractions

In Bansko, the architecture typical of this part of Bulgaria from the 17th to 19th centuries has been well preserved. The narrow streets are lined with fortified houses made of wood and stone; in some secluded corners it’s hard to believe that this is the 21st century.

The main temple of Bansko - the Church of the Holy Trinity - was built during the period of the Ottoman yoke. That is why the central entrance is crowned with a Christian cross and an Islamic crescent. The church has a carved iconostasis, the vaults are decorated with paintings by the artist Velyan Ognev. His house-museum is one of the most striking attractions of the city. This place is called “Velyanova Kyscha”; an Architectural and Ethnographic Museum is opened on the premises. Inside and outside the walls are painted with patterns and motifs, some of them depict entire paintings - views of Venice and Istanbul.

Bansko for children

Bansko is positioned as a family ski resort where you can have a fun and safe holiday with children. However, there is nothing special to do here with kids; there are no special entertainments for them, except for playrooms and swimming pools at the hotel.

Ski schools accept children from 6 years old. The slopes have several safe and wide blue runs that are perfect for little skiers and beginners. Teenagers over 12 years old can learn another sport - snowboarding.

There is an outdoor skating rink in the very center of Bansko. The area is large, there are usually few people there, and there are skate rentals. In the evening the lights are turned on, so you can ride until late. Many hotels have swimming pools with water attractions. They cannot be called full-fledged water parks, but while parents soak in the thermal baths, children will be able to enjoy the slides to their heart's content.

December

Due to its geographical location and the mountains surrounding the resort, Bansko is characterized by long, snowy winters and short summers. The high ski season lasts here from mid-December to the end of May. During thaws, the snow cover on the slopes is maintained artificially, so freezing temperatures are not a hindrance to skiing.

In the summer months it is no less sunny here than in the Bulgarian seaside resorts. However, there is no heat; in June-August the weather is comfortable and warm. At this time, the city turns from a ski resort into a Mecca for climbers, lovers of mountain hiking, cycling and rafting.

The ski resort of Bansko takes its name from the town of the same name, Bansko, which is located in the southwestern part of Bulgaria, just 160 km south of the country's capital, Sofia.

Bansko town and mountains

The town of Bansko has a very interesting history that goes far into the past. There are many museums, as well as various historical monuments, after visiting which you will not remain indifferent to the history of this region.

The Balkan mountains that surround the city are not high, with the exception of the Pirin mountain range, which runs on the southwestern side of the city in the form of a ridge.

The main slopes of the ski resort Bansko pass along the northern slopes of this ridge.

The city itself cannot be called high-mountainous, since it is located at altitudes of 912 - 1025 m, but the ski slopes themselves are located higher, at altitudes from 1 km 100 m to 2 km 570 m.

The highest point of this ski region, Vihren Peak, is 2 km 914 meters, and the last point of the lifts is at an altitude of 2 km 529 m. The difference is only 385 meters and therefore the lift offers a wonderful view of the Bansko valley.

The main routes of the resort run along the slopes of Mount Todorka from an altitude of 2 km 570 meters. The height of the mountain is 2 km 746 m.

Number and characteristics of tracks

There are two main ski areas in the region.

The first small zone, which is located 6 km from the city, is Chain Volog, the highest point is 1 km 467 meters.

The second, main ski area, Shiligarniki, is located further. The distance to it is about 12 km. You can get there by free bus, which is provided by large hotels, as well as by cable car.

But it’s better to come with your own car, since you can drive up to the second stage of lifts.

The resort has 15 routes of varying difficulty, with a total length of about 80 km, of which 9 km are for cross-country skiing.

The main slopes are located in the main ski area, Shiligarniki.

The routes have their own names and varying degrees of difficulty.

Main descents

For beginner skiers:

Stara Pista - blue;
Plato – blue, a great place for snowboarding, there is a snowboard park;
Shiligarnika - blue;
Todorka - blue, length - 2 km 570 m (the longest length at the resort).

For experienced skiers:

Ctzurna mogila – red;
Banderitza. It is divided into two sections, Banderitza 1 – black, Banderitza 2 – red.

The Bansko ski resort is well thought out in terms of children's recreation, as well as teaching children to ski.

A kindergarten is opened here, which is equipped to the latest standards (children's lifts, moving paths, carousels), where a child can learn to ski from the age of four.

The children's school is located at the Banderishka Polyana station, near the lake, it is visible on the diagram.

The skiing season at the resort is from November to April. In the mountains in April, snowfall can still reach two meters.

Snow cannons are provided to create artificial snow, but they cover only three-quarters of the ski area. There are illuminated trails.

There are extensive freeride ski areas. You can get there using the last stage lift, helicopter or snowmobile.

The ski resort Bansko has:

1. One gondola-type cable car with 8 seats. The cable car is long and connects the town of Bansko and the Banderishka station, which is about 12 km.
6 chairlifts with 4 seats.
1 lift for three places.
6 drag lifts.
10 lifts for children.

Since the resort is very popular in neighboring countries, there are always a lot of people here, especially on holidays and weekends. Therefore, there are days when you can stand in line for the lifts for 15 to 25 minutes.

Lifts work from 8.00 to 16.00. On Saturday until 20.00.

Other types of recreation

As in any resort region, the ski resort of Bansko has plenty of entertainment.

There are more than 100 small taverns, cafes (mechanas), restaurants and discos open in the city. There are a large number of museums; in the surrounding area you can visit monasteries that are over 400 years old. Everything is located compactly, since the city is not big.

There are about 50 hotels of various types in the town, from large private hotels to small family hotels.

You can stay in the private sector. Enterprising local residents will be happy to rent you a 1-3 room apartment with all amenities for a reasonable fee.

If you stay in a large private hotel, for example, Regnum, then you will be transported to the nearest ski lift station for free.

Bansko is the best ski resort in Bulgaria. The snow lies here for a long six months, after which this place is not empty: mountain bike lovers come here. Personally, I was lucky enough to visit Bansko at the end of the ski season and get a lot of vivid impressions from the trip, despite the snow melting at the foot of the mountain.

If I were asked to describe Bansko in three words, it would be: beautiful view, widest slopes and delicious food.

It must be said that Bansko is, first of all, an ancient town, walking along the streets of which, it is impossible not to be touched by the stone buildings, not to admire the view of the mountains and not to go to at least one of the many restaurants to enjoy food.

How to get there

There are two sure ways to get to Bansko from Russia:

by plane to Sofia and then by other transport to Bansko (more on this below),
by car.

Of course, the first option will be shorter.

There are several ways to get to Bansko from the city of arrival, that is, Sofia:

transfer,
by car,
by bus,
by train.

From Sofia to Bansko is 96 kilometers, or 2–3 hours by car or bus. A train trip will take much longer. The fastest way (but also the most expensive) would be a group transfer. More on this below.

By plane

It is better to plan your trip to Bulgaria in advance, as you will need to obtain a visa. is not part of the Schengen zone, although it is part of the European Union. gives the right to visit not only this state, but also Romania, Croatia and the Republic, but it does not allow you to stay in the Schengen zone.

From Moscow and St. Petersburg to Sofia

The main airlines operating direct regular flights to Sofia from Moscow are Aeroflot and Bulgaria Air. The travel time will be approximately 3.5 hours, and the cost of a two-way ticket starts from 12,000 RUB, subject to transfers (without transfers approximately 18,000). You can look up prices for flights for dates relevant to your trip on airline websites or, for example,.

You can get from St. Petersburg to Sofia only with transfers. The fastest route with Rossiya Airlines and a connection in Vienna costs a fair amount (from 60,000 RUB). And the cheapest flight I found is operated by Turkish Airlines: transfer in Istanbul, from 10,000 RUB round trip. In my opinion, the best option with a transfer in Moscow and a cost from 15,600 RUB is with Aeroflot. Travel time will be approximately 7 hours.

From Sofia Airport to Bansko by car

Rent a Car

You can rent a car to Bansko in advance on the websites of companies such as Hertz, Avis, SiXT, Top Rent-A-Car, and you can compare prices and offers from all of the listed companies. The last one is the most profitable. A car can be rented for a day, the price per day starts from 26 EUR. It’s more profitable to rent a car for a week; the same Ford Fiesta will cost 84 EUR for 7 days, and you don’t have to pay extra 50 EUR for returning the car to Bansko, because they don’t have an office in the city.

When renting online, it is possible to make partial or full prepayment. In one case or another, you will still have to go to the office on the spot to fill out documents and pay a deposit for the car. The trip to the office is free, and at the airport you will be met by a company representative with a sign. To rent, you will need a passport and a driver's license, not necessarily an international one.

Taxi

The taxi park is located near the airport. Trains to Bansko will cost no less than 70 EUR.

Transfer

Prices vary and depend on the number of people. But the approximate cost one way per person from the airport to Bansko starts from 20 EUR. It is better to book a transfer in advance. You can easily find a suitable company on the Internet; I found the cheapest one.

From Sofia Airport to Bansko by public transport

If you choose public transport, first of all you need to get from the airport to the bus and train station in Sofia. This can be done using buses.

From Sofia airport to bus and train stations

The cost of travel from the airport to the train stations will be:

by public transport:
- ticket for bus No. 84 - 0.5 EUR,
- ticket for one of the buses No. 213 / 214 / 305 / 312 - 3 EUR,

taxi from the airport to the train station from 8 EUR.

In total you will spend from 3.5 to 8 EUR.

By bus

I didn’t find any options to get to Bansko by bus directly from Moscow or St. Petersburg, but, as I already said, this can be done by arriving in Sofia by plane. This way to get from the airport to Bansko will be the most profitable.

From the Sofia Central Bus Station, where the second bus from the airport will take you, you can take the third bus you need to Bansko. Thus, the total cost of a trip by bus from the airport will be approximately 13 EUR, and the travel time will be about 6 hours. Bus tickets are not sold online.

By train

It is impossible to get directly to Bansko by train without transfers. But if you have a lot of time and a great desire to ride a 200-kilometer-long attraction at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour through the picturesque expanses of Bulgaria, then the train will be the most suitable option.

Why, in fact, even local residents call this type of transport an attraction? The fact is that the construction of this narrow-gauge road with a lane 76 centimeters wide (the standard one is usually 2 times wider) lasted about 5 years, and, apparently, it has not been repaired since then (1926).

The total travel time from the airport will be 8 hours, and the amount of money spent on the trip:

a train ticket from Sofia to Septemvri will cost 6 EUR;
a ticket from Septemvri to Bansko will cost about 7 EUR.

Total including a trip from the airport from 16.5 to 21.5 EUR. The ticket can be purchased at the railway station ticket office; unfortunately, this cannot be done online in advance.

By car

By your car from Russia

It is impossible to get from Moscow to Bansko by car without stopping overnight: the shortest route will be 2,400 kilometers with a ferry crossing in Nikopol, which will be a paid part of the route on your way. The route will pass through Moldova, Romania and Ukraine. Without the crossing, the journey will be 400 kilometers longer.

The shortest route from St. Petersburg to Bansko also passes through Ukraine with a crossing in Nikopol and across the Dnieper River and is 2,800 kilometers, which is equivalent to 1 day and 15 hours without traffic jams.

The ferry runs three times a day:

Nikopol - 7:00; Kamenka - 8:00.
Nikopol - 13:00; Kamenka - 14:00.
Nikopol - 17:00; Kamenka - 18:00.

The cost of transporting a car is calculated based on the technical characteristics of the vehicle upon presentation of the technical passport to the ticket office and averages about 4.47 EUR.

The road from Sofia runs along the E83 and E79 highways and is first a high-speed highway (2/3 of the route), along which everyone flies on average at a speed of 130 km/h, and after Blagoevgrad a two-lane good quality road begins, which goes into the mountains and beyond to Bansko. The whole road is very picturesque.

Traveling to Bansko by car is very convenient due to its location. Having a Schengen visa in your passport, you can go to neighboring countries on days off from skiing. The nearest major cities in Greece (and Kavala) can be reached in 4 hours. During the same time, you can find yourself on the Greek island of Thassos, taking into account the ferry crossing, and in half a day you can get to Turkey, taking the Mediterranean route to.

There is a huge parking lot next to the ski lifts in Bansko.

However, it is paid, but the prices are reasonable.

Clue:

Bansko - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The ski season lasts from mid-December to mid-April of the following year. These days the weather is mild and snowy. The average temperature in the city is –2–3 °С, and in the mountains it ranges from +1 to –15 °С. This weather allows natural snow to remain at a depth of two meters. The snow cover is constantly renewed due to frequent snowfalls, and in the absence of snowfalls, 400 snow cannons operate on the slopes. It happens that the resort opens its doors earlier and closes too.

In the autumn-spring period, Bansko is too hot for skiing, there is almost no snow, and I would not recommend coming in the off-season. However, if you do not pursue the goal of cutting through the ski slopes, but are just going to take a walk, enjoy the beauty of nature and swim in the baths, then a trip during the off-season will be favorable both in terms of weather conditions and the cost of the holiday. From September to December and from mid-April to May there are especially few tourists, and prices for many entertainments fall.

Bansko in summer

The landscapes of Pirin National Park are especially beautiful in summer. There are many cycling and hiking routes in the Pirin Mountains. At this time it is hotter here than at sea. The average temperature during the day is +29 °C, and in the evening it drops to +24 °C. You can feel the coolness by swimming in crystal clear mountain lakes with melt water.

Summer holidays in Bansko are suitable for lovers of a relaxing pastime. Many people come here to improve their health in mineral waters and spa hotels. In the neighboring villages of Dobrinishte and Banya there are hot springs, the water temperature of which ranges from +30 °C to +50 °C.

Also, summer Bansko will be of interest to fans of event tourism, as music festivals take place at this time:

summer theater festival (July);
festival “Pirin Sings” (mid-August on odd-numbered years);
Bansko International Jazz Festival, or International Jazz Festival, traditionally brings together famous performers from one and a half dozen countries (in August).

Bansko in autumn

The average air temperature in autumn in Bansko during the daytime is +17 °C, while in the evening it drops to +10 °C. Precipitation decreases by November, as does the air temperature, which rarely reaches +10 °C during the daytime. In general, autumn weather is favorable for walking, but you can’t do without an umbrella and warm clothes. There are very few tourists during this period.

Bansko in spring

In my opinion, March is the best time to travel to Bansko. Ski pass prices have been falling since mid-March, and the flow of tourists is declining. Queues for the lifts are minimal, and the slopes are empty compared to the New Year period. However, you should not come in the first week of March, as there may be queues at this time due to the Bulgarian national holiday of Independence Day.

The air in the city during the day warms up well towards the end of the season; you can walk around in a light jacket, while frost remains on the slopes.

I was here precisely from March to April and have never regretted it. On a day of rest from skiing, we went to the neighboring village of Bani to swim in the hot springs in T-shirts and shorts and, one might say, were “baked” from the temperature outside and in the water. Such a contrast!

Bansko in winter

From year to year, representatives from different countries gather in Bansko. Since the opening of the season, mid-December, the influx of tourists has gradually increased. The peak occurs during the Christmas (December 24–26), New Year holidays (until the end of the second week of January) and mid-February (school holidays in different countries).

I do not recommend coming to Bansko during such tourist surges, as you will spend the lion's share of the time in queues for the ski lifts with families from Romania, Bulgaria, Spain, England, Greece, Russia and Israel. On weekends, the queues increase even more, since the nearest cities in Bulgaria to Bansko are only a couple of hundred kilometers away, and local residents come here to relax.

Conclusion

If it is possible to plan your vacation in advance for any dates, the best time to come to Bansko is:

first week after the opening of the season,
From the 10th to the 20th of January,
or any period of time starting from the 2nd week of March and ending with the season closing date in mid-April.

Bansko - weather by month

Clue:

Bansko - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

The city is very different: the tourist part, where the aparthotels are located, looks very different from its historical area, which is located in the northeast and is marked with number 4 on the map below. The terrain is flat and hilly, so proximity to the ski lift matters: the closer, the more convenient it is to get there on foot, since the transfer from the hotel is not always free. On the map the lift is located next to the number 1.

I will tell you in more detail about each of the areas indicated on the diagram:

What are the prices for holidays?

The resort is popular among Europeans. When we went out to eat for the first time, we were surprised not to meet a single compatriot. As one of my friends said:

Bulgaria - no Europe!

And he was right: prices here, especially in restaurants, are two times lower than in Europe. Lunch at a restaurant for two of three courses with drinks will cost 1,000 RUB, hotel accommodation - from 2,000 RUB, and a ski pass for a day - from 1,200 RUB.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Bulgarian lev, lev

Main attractions. What to see

In Bansko it is impossible not to notice two things: the Pirin National Park and the Church of the Holy Trinity, located on the main street named after the park. Following the main street, you can see all the beauty of the city and not miss almost a single attraction.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Holy Trinity Church

The main attraction, the symbol of the city, built in 1835 by the hands of the citizens themselves. The bell tower of the church can be seen from afar, and on the top you can see a huge stork’s nest.

Located in the central square of the city, which can be accessed from the central street Pirin.

Opening hours: daily - from 8.00 to 18.00, in winter - until 17.00.

Address: st. Vazrazhdane, 2.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

House-Museum of Nikola Vaptsarov

In the central square of the city there is a house-museum of the Bulgarian poet, who died in the fight against fascism at the age of 33. The poems of the brilliant city dweller have been translated into 50 languages of the world. Vaptsarov was the only Bulgarian to be awarded the International Peace Prize posthumously in 1952. By the way, the museum conducts excursions in Russian.

Working hours: daily from 8.00 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 17.30.

Entrance fees: 1.5 EUR (3 BGN) for adults, 0.5 EUR (1 BGN) for children.

Address: pl. Nikola Vaptsarov, 3.

House-Museum of Neofit Rilski

The house-museum of the founder of the Bulgarian education and the first Bulgarian encyclopedist has a unique exhibition and architecture.

Working hours: daily from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 17.30.

Entrance fees: 1.5 EUR (3 BGN) for adults, 0.5 EUR (1 BGN) for schoolchildren and students. On Mondays, admission to the museum is completely free.

Address: st. Pirin, 17.

Parks

"Pirin"

In the Bansko Mountains, at an altitude of 1,000 to 2,900 meters, there is the Pirin National Park, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The park contains two of the oldest nature reserves in Bulgaria. There are many hiking trails throughout the park that you can explore for several days.

For convenience, all tourist routes in the national park are marked with different colors. Eight camp sites and four shelters are equipped for tourists in the Pirin conservation area.

The main information center of Pirin National Park is located in the town of Bansko; The exhibition “Pirin Forests” has been created here, in the center of which there is an auditorium for 30 seats with a large screen. The film library contains more than 150 popular science films about the nature of this unique protected area in Bulgaria. The Information Center hosts lectures for different age categories; Special educational lessons are organized for children in nature, and you can also book an excursion.

The information center for visitors to the National Park is located at: st. , 4.

Tourist streets

Pirin street

On the pedestrian street Pirin, directly next to the Church of the Holy Trinity, there is a monument dedicated to Father Paisius. The monument is one of the main symbols of the city. Father Paisiy was one of the founders of the Renaissance, a fighter for freedom from the Turkish yoke, and wrote a book on the history of Bulgaria. The university and gymnasium in Sofia bear his name. The great figure is also depicted on the 2 lev banknote.

And immediately after the church there is the house-museum of Neofit Rilski, and after walking 200 meters forward, there will be the Nikola Vaptsarov museum, which I described above.

So be sure to take a walk along this old street of Bansko: you will find a lot of interesting things.

What to see in the area

Bulgaria is popular for its terminal springs. There are several of them near Bansko, and I highly recommend swimming in at least one of these:

Food. What to try

This topic is my favorite because going to Bansko is like going on a gastronomic tour. Portions in restaurants are huge. For example, you should try to find a Greek salad that weighs less than 400 grams. For 50 EUR four people can eat at a restaurant.

In Bansko, there are restaurants serving national mehana cuisine at every step.

The most delicious things I tried were fried cheese with homemade blueberry jam And sach- a dish of several types of meat with various vegetables, which is cooked in a special large frying pan and served sizzling.

In the photo, the table is set with national dishes and delicious wine.

For lovers kebab I recommend trying the chicken one. I have never tasted more tender meat. It just melts in your mouth :).

Where to buy groceries

Not far from the central square of the city and the Church of the Holy Trinity there is a small market with fresh food. Its prices are reasonable.

If you live closer to the ski lift and don’t have the energy to walk 15 minutes to the market along the paving stones down Pirin Street, then it will be more convenient for you to buy groceries at Aldo.

Grocery Aldo is large and open until 22:00.

Perhaps this restaurant-pub with its authentic English atmosphere has become our favorite place. It is located just below Aldo. In the evenings there is live music and football is shown on TV.

The portions turned out to be even larger than stated in the pictures.

And the presentation is more interesting. See for yourself:

This pub has the cheapest and freshest Guinness on tap. From food for myself, I opened veal ribs. A pint of beer cost 4 EUR, and ribs about 8 EUR. In Moscow, for this money you can only buy frozen ones.

It's better to arrive at the pub early to grab a seat. Even out of season, the hall was full at 10 p.m. If desired, a table can be booked in advance at the restaurant itself.

Amigo Pub

For me it has become the most fun bar with an excellent extensive menu, interesting serving of cocktails and dishes . Upon arrival in Bansko it was our first place to visit. We were greeted by a guy in an Irish suit, live rock music was playing in the pub itself, and on the second floor the bartender was juggling glasses and shooting fire out of his mouth. With all this, the food in the establishment was very tasty!

Amigo Pub is also always full of people, so I advise you to arrive early. I didn’t see that tables were booked in advance, but I think it’s possible to negotiate.

Budget

I will give examples of the most popular budget places for a snack in Bansko:

Mid-level

Mid-level restaurants are especially popular:

Expensive

List of expensive restaurants:

Safety. What to watch out for

Bansko is a peaceful and safe city. Crime comes down to pickpockets, so you should keep an eye on your valuables and leave them in the safe. I also do not recommend going down wild slopes, especially during periods when there is a danger of avalanches. The guide warned us about this on the way to Bansko, because literally a week before our arrival people disappeared on similar routes.

Things to do

After long walks or skiing on the slopes, you can relax in the spa complexes located in the city's hotels. The Astera Bansko Apartment Tourist Complex & SPA has an outdoor pool open all year round.

Next to the center and the Aldo store there is an outdoor ice skating rink (Ledena p'rzalka), open from December to April.

As conceived by the designers, the structure of the skating rink looks like a dry leaf.

Opening hours change frequently, but the skating rink is open from morning to evening. Here you can rent skates and have a snack in a cafe, although it is a little expensive.

Minimum riding time is 2 hours.

Approximate cost of 2 hours of skiing with skate rental:

15 EUR for adults,
7 EUR for children under 12 years old.

If you have your own skates, then the prices are correspondingly lower (time is also at least 2 hours):

7.5 EUR for adults,
3.5 EUR for children under 12 years old.

Shopping and shops

There are no large shopping centers or outlets in Bansko. In general, shopping in the city is limited to Turkish clothing of low quality and dubious beauty, as well as, of course, ski equipment and clothing. On the streets of the city, almost every house has at least one ski shop. The assortment is varied, representing brands from famous brands around the world. At the end of the season you can buy good things at a good price.

Mall Bansko

In the center of Bansko there is something similar to a shopping center. It also houses Turkish ski clothing stores and a large good grocery store Aldo. In the photo above, he seemed to have gone out of frame, but I couldn’t find any recent ones on the Internet. Perhaps only from the period when Aldo was replaced by Carrefour. Now there are 2 Aldos in the city: in the center at Queen's Pub and in .

Address: st. Yavor, 68.

Opening hours: from 10:00 to 22:00.

Lidl

In the neighboring town of Razlog (5 minutes by car) there is my favorite chain store. At Lidl you can buy groceries, clothes, shoes, children's products, appliances, tools, and household goods. Its prices are very affordable, and the quality of the goods is high.

Address: st. Gotse Delchev 24.

Opening hours: daily - from 8:00 to 21:00, on Sunday - until 20:00.

T-Market

An equally large Lithuanian store can also be found in Razlog. It sells food, household goods, clothing, shoes, equipment, and tools.

Address: intersection of st. Gotse Delchev and st. Telemachus Iliev.

Opening hours: from 8:00 to 22:00.

Bars. Where to go

Clubs and nightlife

Nightclubs in Bansko operate at full capacity only during the season. At the end of March, popular clubs were not always open. There are not so many clubs in the city: only 2-3. The clubs are open all night and their prices are quite high. There is an entrance fee and a table fee. Judging by the reviews, there is face control, and the security is not always friendly. The clubs themselves are very bright, matching their names. Here is a list:

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Bulgaria is famous for its national dishes and perfumes with rose oil.

Personally, I brought it as a gift honey in a national pot with a wooden spoon. It is most profitable to buy it not in souvenir shops, but in a grocery store. This pot cost me 4 EUR.

Bulgarian vodka "rakia"- the most popular local vodka, or rather moonshine. Rakia can be considered as a traditional national drink. It is presented in a large assortment and is quite inexpensive. Rakia (Bulgarians recommend Burgas 63, Solivenska Perla, Sungularska) is better to buy in a local store.

Another typical Bulgarian strong drink is anise mastic. Its strength ranges from 40 to 50°; there are several varieties, the best of which is Peristera.

For culinary lovers, you can bring from Bulgaria seasonings, which are presented here in abundance and have a special, strong aroma of mountain herbs. Popular are souvenir gift sets with “sharena salt” - salt mixed with ground red pepper and fragrant mountain herbs.

Kashkaval and feta cheese. Brynza is an essential component of a huge number of Bulgarian dishes, from Shopska salad to mish mash. It is not difficult to bring it, since in supermarkets it is often sold in well-closed plastic or tin cans. No less tasty is the traditional Bulgarian cheese Kashkaval, which is made from cow, goat, sheep or buffalo milk. If you take with you all this thinly rolled out semi-finished dough “Kori”, which is easy to transport thanks to the factory packaging, then upon arrival you will be able to please your friends with a traditional banitsa - a layer cake with feta cheese.

The full price for the 2016/17 season was as follows:

Adults:

gondola lift to the mountains from Bansko (round trip) - 14.3 EUR (28 BGN),
half-day ski pass (from 12.30 to closing) - 24.5 EUR (48 BGN),
1 day - 29.6 EUR (58 BGN),
2 days - 57.3 EUR (112 BGN),
3 days - 87 EUR (170 BGN),
4 days - 114.6 EUR (224 BGN),
5 days - 143.2 EUR (280 BGN),
6 days - 173.9 EUR (340 BGN),
9 days - 255.8 EUR (500 BGN),
13 days - 358 EUR (700 BGN),
ski pass “Bansko-20” - 409.2 EUR (800 BGN),
seasonal ski pass - 767.2 EUR (1,500 BGN).

Students:

lift "Starting station" - 5.1 EUR (BGN),
gondola lift to the mountains from Bansko (round trip) - 16.3 EUR (28 BGN),
Ski pass for half a day (from 12.30 to closing) - 22 EUR (43 BGN),
1 day - 26.6 EUR (52 BGN),
2 days - 51.7 EUR (101 BGN),
3 days - 78.3 EUR (153 BGN),
4 days - 103.3 EUR (202 BGN),
5 days - 128.9 EUR (252 BGN),
6 days - 156.5 EUR (306 BGN),
9 days - 230.3 EUR (450 BGN),
13 days - 322.2 EUR (630 BGN),
ski pass “Bansko-20” - 383.6 EUR (750 BGN),
seasonal ski pass 716 EUR (1,400 BGN).

Children from 7 to 12 years old:

lift "Starting station" - 5.1 EUR (10 BGN),
gondola lift to the mountains from Bansko (round trip) - 10.2 EUR (20 BGN),
half-day ski pass (from 12:30 to closing) - 17.4 EUR (34 BGN),
1 day - 20.5 EUR (40 BGN),
2 days - 35.8 EUR (70 BGN),
3 days - 50.6 EUR (99 BGN),
4 days - 61.3 EUR (120 BGN),
5 days - 71.6 EUR (140 BGN),
6 days - 84.4 EUR (165 BGN),
9 days -112.4 EUR (220 BGN),
13 days - 166.2 EUR (325 BGN),
ski pass “Bansko-20” - 358 EUR (700 BGN),
seasonal ski pass - 664.9 EUR (1,300 BGN).

Children under 7 years old:

lift "Starting station" - 0.5 EUR (1 BGN),
gondola lift to the mountains from Bansko (round trip) - 0.5 EUR (1 BGN),
Ski pass for half a day (from 12.30 to closing) - 0.5 EUR (1 BGN),
1 day - 0.5 EUR (1 BGN),
2 days - 1 EUR (2 BGN),
3 days - 1.5 EUR (3 BGN),
4 days -2 EUR (4 BGN),
5 days - 2.5 EUR (5 BGN),
6 days - 3 EUR (6 BGN),
9 days - 4.6 EUR (9 BGN),
13 days -6.7 EUR (13 BGN),
ski pass “Bansko 20” - 10.2 EUR (20 BGN),
seasonal ski pass (1 person) - 51.2 EUR (100 BGN).

Trails

Trails and difficulty levels

The total length of the resort's eighteen trails is 75 kilometers with an elevation difference of 1,600 meters. The longest of them is 16 kilometers; this route connects the highest slope with the city. Suitable for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. It is served by cannons with artificial snow and is well lit.

If you suddenly didn’t have time to go down and it was already dark outside, this route will be an excellent end to the ride. The route branches and is suitable for vacationers of different levels, but towards the bottom it is quite flat, which will allow you to relax. When snowboarding, I recommend getting off it faster, because there is a chance that you will stop, and then you will have to walk.

According to the level of difficulty, all trails can be divided into 3 categories:

for beginners (35% of all routes, 23 kilometers),
for an average level of skiing (40%, 34 kilometers),
for experienced (25%, 18 kilometers).

So, if you are just learning the basics of skiing, it is better to give preference to such routes as:

"Shiligarnik"
"Plateau",
"Ski Road"
"Bansko".

For those who want more coolness and adrenaline, the following are perfect:

"Balkaniada"
"Stara Pista"
"Chalin-Valog"
"Todorka."

But real experts of this sport will pay tribute to such tracks as:

"Tomba"
"Tsyrna-Mogila".

Lifts

The highest station of the Todorka ski lifts is located at a level of 2,600 meters; you can reach it from two sides using different ski lifts: Banderitsa-2 and Plateau. Below is a photo from the Plateau ski lift, where you can see the width of only half of this slope, as well as Todorki Peak (2,746 meters), where a group of rock climbers regularly hang out. If you look to the left at the edge of the slope, you can see the beginning of Fun Park.

You can climb to “Banderitsa-2” either from “Banderitsa-1” or by going down a little from “Todorka”.

View from Banderitsa-2. This lift is open until 16.45. If you leave the highway to the right, you can ride on unrolled snow and admire the gorgeous views without going far from the ski lifts.

Condition of the trails

The tracks are prepared daily, but they are in their best condition early in the morning, before they have yet been rolled out. At the end of the season, due to low traffic, they remain in good condition until lunchtime. The hot sun of the Southern Balkans at these altitudes also takes its toll, and on a sunny day the slope at the slopes of the lifts can be broken.

Red highway No. 14 “Tsyrna-Mogila” is more often closed than open. We only had a chance to look at it from the ski lifts. In addition, due to bad weather conditions (strong winds, ice, zero visibility due to fog or clouds), the lifts to the highest station Todorka are closed. There is nothing you can do about it; the operator of the complex is responsible for the safety of people on the slopes and does not risk sending skiers to places where there is a danger of an avalanche.

general information

In general, the slope map is so extensive that even an experienced rider will hardly have time to cover all the slopes in one day, unless without a break :).

You can get to the ski lifts on foot or by shuttle from any hotel. The Kempinski Hotel is located next to the lower lift and provides VIP access to the gondola lift. Also, within a minute’s walk from the ski lift, there are a lot of hotels and apartments much cheaper than the Kempinski with its 70 EUR per night for a double room. Many hotels provide a free shuttle to the ski lift. I have already spoken in more detail about the cost and location of housing relative to the ski lifts above in the “Districts” section. Where is the best place to live?

Anything to add?

Bulgaria is known not only for its warm sea and golden sands, but also for its excellent opportunities for winter family holidays. For tourists who love skiing and mountains, this country offers several wonderful resorts where you can enjoy skiing and relaxation surrounded by gorgeous nature.

Bansko is the most famous Bulgarian resort, which is primarily suitable for skiers who are not experienced in the Alps or those who plan to ski for the first time. Affordable prices, wide flat roads and developed infrastructure attract more and more families with children to Bansko every year.

And the absence of a language barrier will help you feel more confident in ski schools: training will go quickly and efficiently. You will find all the most important things about holidays with children in Bansko in the Kidpassage review.

Bansko on the map of Bulgaria

The city of Bansko is located in southwestern Bulgaria, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, in the territory. The resort is part of the Blagoevgrad region (the administrative center is Blagoevgrad). The distance from Bansko to Sofia is 155 km, to Plovdiv - 148 km, to Blagoevgrad - 56 km, to Borovets - 142 km. The city has been part of Bulgaria for a little over 100 years. Until 1912, where Bansko is located was the territory of the Ottoman Empire.

Vacation with children

The ski resort of Bansko is a compact town with its own twist. Narrow streets, the smell of delicious smoke (wood-burning stoves are still heated in the houses here), countless colorful Bulgarian mechan restaurants with an always festive atmosphere, the historical center of the city with wooden painted houses and churches, the snow-capped peaks of the Pirin Mountains - all this remains for a long time in memories of tourists who visited the ski resort. I also remember the amazing serenity: isn’t this the most important condition for having a good rest with your child?

Spending a family holiday in Bansko is a sound idea. In winter, you can enjoy skiing here without spending a lot of money. At the children's ski school, children playfully get on their skis: of course, playing and learning is a lot of fun. And in the summer, Bansko with children is a good place to relax from the everyday hustle and bustle and stress of the big city.

The resort is built up with numerous hotels and apartments of any price category. Here you can really relax inexpensively, but at the same time comfortably.

Most families coming to the resort with small children stay in apartment hotels with a kitchen for preparing their own meals. Please note that there are no special conditions for holidays with an infant in Bansko, but you can count on a cot in the room and the opportunity to invite a nanny.

The resort, however, also has its shortcomings - although not everyone will consider these shortcomings. Firstly, traveling to Bansko by public transport is somewhat tiring for children, since they have to change trains to get to the resort. To avoid getting tired on the way, you can order a transfer from the airport to the resort.

Secondly, there is almost no entertainment for children in Bansko. In winter, kids frolic on snow slides and in hotel mini-clubs, but in summer, parents have to come up with fun things for kids. But it’s interesting with teenagers in the mountains: you can offer them extreme entertainment and invite them on excursions to monasteries.

When is the best time to go?

The holiday season in Bansko is known only two short declines: from mid-April to the end of May and from mid-October to the end of November. With the beginning of winter, the flow of tourists grows rapidly, reaching a peak during the New Year holidays, and then from March 1 to 4, during the Martenitsa celebration. At this time there is a large queue at the lift. Also, during the peak winter season, as many resort regulars note, it often rains, which can seriously dampen the mood of not only children, but also adults.

If you are not particularly attached to specific vacation dates, we recommend going on vacation with your child in the second half of January, in February or after the end of Martenitsa. The weather and snow are completely fine at this time, and there is no crowding on the slopes.

The choice of when is the best time to go to Bansko may also be influenced by the specifics of the resort. Since Bansko has recently become one of the venues for the Alpine Skiing World Cup, some slopes may be closed during preparation and on the day of the competition. So if you are not a fan of the sport and are not willing to sacrifice a few days of skiing to attend the ski races, then keep an eye on the Cup schedule.

In mid-June the season opens in Bansko for those who don’t like the cold. It is good to come to Bansko with a baby at this time: the cool and sunny weather at the resort is suitable for relaxing with a baby.

You will read below about what to do in the mountains in the summer, but for now we will add that in the warm season a lot of interesting things happen at the resort. In August, a jazz festival is held in the central square. On September 22, residents celebrate Bulgaria's Independence Day, and October 5 is the city's day. Check the events calendar on the city's website for holidays and festivals.

Weather and climate

The climate features of Bansko are of most interest to skiers. There is nothing to hide here: winters at the resort are snowy and not too cold. Snow cover lasts from December until at least mid-April and reaches a thickness of 2 meters during the peak season.

Winter in Bansko begins at the end of November. The average temperature at this time drops to 0° C, although during the day the thermometer still rises to +8-10° C. The first snowfalls begin.

In December, the temperature drops to +3°C during the day and to -3°C at night. There is more snow, it no longer melts, forming a good cover for skiing. January and February are the coldest months, but the daytime temperature usually does not drop below 0° C, only at night it gets colder to -5° C. Usually a vacation in Bansko is planned for this time, using the New Year holidays for skiing.

With the arrival of spring, the air temperature increases noticeably. Already in March the air warms up to +8-9° C, although there is still frost at night. In April it warms up to +13° C. It snows at this time no less often than in winter, so the ski season continues. If you dream of skiing, but don’t like queues and crowds, then the best holiday in Bansko with children is a holiday in March-April. There are fewer people at the resort than in January-February, the snow cover is stable, and there is no frost.

Mild, cool summer begins in May. In May the air warms up to +18° C, in June to +22-23° C, in July-August to +24-25° C, and in September to +21-22° C. At the same time, with the onset of darkness it gets colder to +9-12° C.

The beauty of summer in Bansko is the infrequent rain. Rain clouds sometimes linger over the city in May and June, but from July to September the weather is clear and dry. Favorable weather conditions are the reason why Bansko was recognized as a climatic resort.

In October it becomes noticeably colder. During the day, thermometers show +15-16° C, but at night the readings drop to +5° C. With the arrival of November, the first night frosts begin.

Treatment

Bansko and surrounding villages have long been known as balneotherapeutic resorts. The most popular village is Dobrinishte due to its many mineral springs. Water is used to treat diseases of the skin, musculoskeletal system, digestive and nervous systems, and gynecological diseases. There are also thermal complexes in the villages of Banya (6 km from Bansko) and Ognyanovo (48 km). Many Bansko hotels have spa centers. Among them are, and others.

Food and shopping

What makes Bansko different from other ski resorts in Bulgaria is the availability of all inclusive. Only a few hotels employ this concept, but if you want to take the hassle out of finding food, you're in for a pleasant surprise.

If you are interested in trying national Bulgarian cuisine, visit the mehans of Bansko. Large portions, very tasty food and low prices - these are the three main charms of mehan. There is also a fourth: almost all Bulgarian dishes are suitable for baby food.

There are more than a dozen grocery stores at the resort. Prices there are slightly higher than in Blagoevgrad. On Sundays in the summer, a farmers' market opens next to the central square. Its assortment includes local vegetables, fruits, mountain herbs, honey, meat and dairy products.

Transport

Public transport in Bansko is intercity buses going to Sofia, Blagoevgrad, Gotse Delchev, Dobrinishte and some other settlements. Buses depart from the bus station in the center of the resort; the schedule is on the website of Bulgarian bus stations. Tickets are sold at the box office and from drivers (note that tickets for children cost the same as tickets for adults).

There is a taxi rank in front of the post office. If you use this type of transport to move around Bansko, the tariff will be as follows: the cost of boarding is 0.60 leva, the cost of each kilometer of travel is 0.6 leva during the day and 1 leva at night. The cost of intercity travel is slightly higher.

The most convenient, although not cheap, way to get to the airport is to order a transfer. In this case, the trip will cost 140-160 leva for 4 people.

If you come to Bansko with your own transport, you will most likely have to leave your car in a paid parking lot (from 2 levs per hour to 10 levs per day).